SATOU SABALLY SOUNDS THE ALARM: “2025 LOCKOUT IS COMING!” — BLASTS WNBA’s ‘INSULTING’ CONTRACT OFFERS TO PLAYERS!

The All-Star forward exposes explosive details behind stalled CBA talks — and warns fans that the league may be headed straight for a shutdown. “We’re done settling for scraps,” she says.

WNBA STAR SPEAKS OUT — AND SHE’S NOT HOLDING BACK

In a powerful and pointed statement that has sent shockwaves across the women’s basketball world, Dallas Wings star Satou Sabally has warned fans and players alike that the 2025 WNBA season is in jeopardy, citing ongoing tension and “insulting” offers from league officials in recent Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) talks.

“This is not sustainable,” Sabally said in a postgame interview. “The way we’re being treated — it’s not just unfair, it’s disrespectful. And if things don’t change, yes — a lockout is very real.”

Sabally’s statement comes amid rumors of deep unrest behind the scenes, as WNBA players grow increasingly frustrated over pay gaps, travel conditions, workload, and league priorities.

A LEAGUE ON THE EDGE?

While the WNBA continues to enjoy a historic surge in viewership and media attention — thanks in part to stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and A’ja Wilson — players say that the behind-the-scenes reality tells a very different story.

Players still fly commercial — often with tight back-to-backs and delays

Salaries remain far below their NBA counterparts, with rookies earning less than $80,000 annually

Revenue-sharing and endorsements are still controlled tightly by the league

And players claim they have little say in league governance or major decisions

“We’ve watched the league grow, but we’re not growing with it,” Sabally explained. “We generate the headlines. We fill the seats. But they treat us like we’re lucky just to be here.”

INSIDE THE CBA BATTLE

According to insiders familiar with the 2025 CBA negotiations, players have been pushing for:

Increased base salary and annual step-ups based on performance and seniority

Guaranteed charter flights for all travel

Expanded healthcare and mental wellness coverage

Greater transparency in revenue sharing

But so far, the offers coming from league negotiators have been described as “laughable,” “tone-deaf,” and “flat-out insulting,” according to several sources close to the WNBPA (Women’s National Basketball Players Association).

“They want us to settle for crumbs while the league banks millions in new sponsorships,” said one unnamed veteran. “It’s not happening this time.”

SATOU SABALLY: “WE’VE BEEN QUIET TOO LONG”

Known not only for her elite play but her leadership and activism, Sabally has become one of the loudest voices demanding change.

“I’m not afraid to say what others are thinking,” she said. “The fans need to know the truth. If they want to keep seeing the best women’s basketball in the world — the league needs to start respecting the women playing it.”

Her statement has rallied players across multiple teams, with stars like Skylar Diggins-Smith, Jonquel Jones, and Natasha Cloud posting solidarity messages within hours.

FAN REACTION: DIVIDED BUT LOUD

As expected, Sabally’s warning sparked fierce debate online:

“She’s right. These women are carrying the league on their backs — and they’re being underpaid and overworked.”

“A lockout? No! Can’t we just focus on the games?”

“If the NBA had to deal with these conditions, they’d riot.”

Hashtags like #PayWNBAPlayers, #WNBA2025, and #SaballySpeaksTruth began trending within hours.

Some fans warned that a lockout could destroy momentum just as the league is gaining mainstream visibility — while others argue a strike is the only way real change will happen.

WNBA REMAINS SILENT

As of this writing, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and league officials have not responded to Sabally’s remarks. The WNBA has consistently maintained that “dialogue is ongoing,” but many players say they’re being shut out of meaningful decisions.

One source close to negotiations said:

“The league’s pretending everything’s fine on the surface, but the players are boiling beneath. And Satou just blew the lid off.”

WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE’S A LOCKOUT?

If no agreement is reached before the end of the current CBA (which expires in early 2025), players could:

Refuse to report to training camp

Boycott media days and promotional events

Sit out games and delay the season

Explore international offers or start grassroots campaigns for support

“We hope it doesn’t come to that,” Sabally said. “But we’re not afraid anymore. We know our worth.”

FINAL THOUGHTS: THE FIGHT IS JUST BEGINNING

Satou Sabally didn’t just issue a warning — she lit a fire.

With the WNBA standing at a crossroads between growth and fairness, players are making it clear: they won’t settle for less. And if the league won’t listen quietly, they’ll make it loud.

2025 may be the most pivotal year in WNBA history. The only question now is — will it tip toward progress, or shut down in silence?

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Developing story. Expect more player reactions and league responses in the coming days.